BUAV raises concerns over numbers of primates exported from Mauritius in early 2014

BUAV raises concerns over numbers of primates exported from Mauritius in early 2014

04/07/2014

The BUAV has raised its concerns regarding by the latest figures released that show between January and March 2014, Mauritius exported 2,095 long-tailed macaques to laboratories around the world, including in the UK, Canada, Spain, France, Germany, the USA and Mexico.

The EU continues to be a major importer of Mauritius macaques, importing over 1,000 monkeys, 59% of the total macaques exported during the first quarter of 2014.

Mauritius is one of the world’s largest suppliers of primates for the international research industry. Across the island, there are numerous primate holding and breeding facilities, holding many thousands of monkeys. Monkeys are captured from the wild and imprisoned in these farms, where they are used as breeding 'machines' to produce offspring who will be transported to laboratories around the world.

The BUAV Save Our Monkeys campaign has been successful in raising awareness and support within Mauritius and internationally regarding the cruelty of the Mauritius monkey trade.

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of the BUAV stated:‘Over 50,000 people have already signed our global petition to the Prime Minister of Mauritius calling for an end to the trade in primates for research. We urge the people of Mauritius and around the world to join us in our call and help to save the thousands of monkeys who are suffering as a result of this cruel business. Please add your voice andsign and share our petition: http://bit.ly/StopTheTrade’